Garraf tunnel works to begin this March

Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirms the schedule and suggests a redesign of the coastal R1 rail line.

Generic image of a railway tunnel entrance in a coastal cliff area.
IA

Generic image of a railway tunnel entrance in a coastal cliff area.

The Spanish Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, confirmed this Monday that essential maintenance works in the Garraf tunnels will commence in March to improve the regional rail network.

Speaking at the Ateneo de Madrid, Puente explained that the project was delayed following a specific request from the Generalitat to prevent a bottleneck of simultaneous construction works. The minister emphasized that there are currently 130 active projects within the Rodalies network.
The minister also proposed a strategic debate regarding the R1 line. Due to its coastal location, the track is frequently affected by weather conditions and landslides. Puente suggested that moving the railway inland might be necessary to ensure long-term reliability and safety.

"The improvements in Rodalies must be noticed gradually."

Óscar Puente · Minister of Transport
Regarding highway maintenance, Puente mentioned the possibility of introducing a fair contribution system for drivers. He argued that a national agreement is required to address the 5 billion euro deficit in road infrastructure funding across the country.